This is the second part of the three-part series on the topic of growing herbs at home. Like we discussed in the first part, herbs are the most 'forgiving' plants to be growing at home. Today we'll discuss the second group of herbs – Annual Herbs – that can be grown at home, and how! ANNUAL HERBS These are slightly trickier than the Mediterranean Herbs that we discussed last time. Annual herbs, as the name suggests, do all their flowering, growing and seed production – all in the span of a single year. Most of the plants die promptly afterwards, a few of them, though, might go on to live for a few years. The person gardening, however, can hold the reins to the production speed; and this can be done through managing seeds. If you happen to sow some of  [...]

Have you ever wondered how that potato-parsley soup would taste if there was more parsley added to it? Why exactly did you go easy on the parsley? Because its expensive, right? Why settle for little when you can have a whole lot, we say! Herbs are the easiest to grow. They are, moreover, the best things to grow in your garden. A small amount of herbs added to other ingredients while cooking your favorite dish could lend a totally different flavor to life. The best part about growing your own herbs is that they allow themselves to be grown in containers, which may be the best thing for those of us who do not have kitchen gardens at our disposals, but want to grow them nonetheless. While growing herbs, there are two things you need to take into consideration -

The modern world has suddenly, in the last couple of decades, woken up to the idea of using herbs and herbal therapies to cure themselves of various illnesses, diseases and conditions; or to better enhance their standards of health. It is, however, common knowledge that these herbs have been in use for eras now. The ancient civilizations that came and went before us, were perhaps, better equipped with the know-how of these natural health protectors. A recent discovery has helped throw light on a new topic – scientists have discovered that a combination of wine and herbs was used to cure the sick even 5,000 years ago. The wine was turned into medicine by adding the right herb to it; depending on the condition that it had to treat. Researcher Speak The civilization  [...]

The red sage, or danshen as it is called, is a Chinese herb that is valued for the potential and real uses of it in traditional Chinese medicine. This herb is native to China and Japan, and is known to grow in grassy places – forests, along stream banks and hillsides. Getting acquainted with the red sage This herb is very rarely used by itself. It is, however, widely used in a combination with other herbs and is known for its quality to cure a diverse number of ailments. Cardiac and vascular disorders have been known to react positively to the application of this herb. It is also said to have quite an effect on abnormalities that include blood clotting. This herb is known to help in 'thinning' the blood, and thus, helps reduce blood clots. This is one of the  [...]

The magic of herbs has been established early on. There are, however, some herbs that are good for the mother and the baby in the early stages of pregnancy. Keep these names in mind - Black Haw It can be used in the early stages of pregnancy to help prevent the unfortunate occurrence of a miscarriage. Blessed Thistle This herb works as a tonic for the liver, and helps in its build up. It also acts as a stimulant to blood flow to the mammaries, and it helps in increasing the milk production. Blessed thistle also doubles up as a deterrent to hemorrhages during childbirth. Burdock Root This herb works as a proponent for vitamins  [...]

When Monica from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. picked up a mop to clean the floor, we knew it was normal, because she is a character that is obsessive about cleanliness to the extent of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). But for the rest of us earthlings, keeping the house clean and fresh can seem like quite the task. In older days, magic came out of the kitchen cupboards. Our great grandmothers didn’t invest in a million cleaning products, instead they turned to what they already had, and effectively used it to combat those armies of germs that threatened to turn the house into a breeding ground. Herbs and spices uses were a common task and this is also useful for your daily living. A little research on Chinese herbs will tell you that some simple herbs can leave your house sparkling,  [...]